ROBERT Koren has given the Baggies an early Christmas gift by returning to training following a hernia operation.

And Roberto Di Matteo has not completely ruled the midfielder out of playing some part against Peterborough on Saturday or Scunthorpe two days later (both ko 3pm).

Slovenia captain Koren went under the surgeon's knife at the end of last month and he will be fully assessed by the Baggies boss tomorrow.

"He's trained today with the group so that's good news," said Di Matteo.

"We'll see how he does over the next few days because obviously he's been out for almost four weeks.

"I will make the final decision on Friday."